The answer is Yes. HP took the best bits from its Elite x2 tablet and the first-generation Spectre x2 tablet (2015), then updated the new Spectre x2 with the latest Kaby Lake chips. The Spectre x2 gives you more features for the money than the Surface Pro: Our $1,300 review unit included both the keyboard and the stylus right in the box (hear that, Microsoft?). It’s a shame this solid value is let down by middling battery life and a pesky fan.

man / ID

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Specs: Kaby Lake and an outstanding display

Kickstand, pen loop anchor the productivity

Extra software

Performance: Marred by mediocre battery life

Conclusion: Good value despite a few flaws

Specs: Kaby Lake and an outstanding display

HP will offer one $1,300 retail version of the Spectre x2 (the one we tested):

[ Further reading: Our picks for best PC laptops ]

Model name: Spectre x2 12-c012dx

CPU: Core i7-7560U

RAM: 8GB LPDDR-1600

SSD: 360GB PCIe NVMe

Four more SKUs will be available via HP.com:

An entry-level Core i5 version for $1,150:

Model name: Spectre x2 12t

MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE

HP Spectre x2 12t (2017)

$1,149.99MSRP $1,149.99

VIEW

on HP.com

CPU: Core i5-7260U

RAM: 8GB LPDDR-1600

SSD: 128GB PCIe NVMe

An entry-level Core i7 version for $1,230:

Model name: Spectre x2 12-c052nr

MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE

HP Spectre x2 12-c052nr

$1,229.99MSRP $1,229.99

VIEW

on HP.com

CPU: Core i7-7560U

RAM: 8GB LPDDR-1600

SSD: 256GB PCIe NVMe

Two higher-end Core i7 versions have these starting configurations and can be upgraded. This one starts at $1,670: